10 BEST Things to Do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara has a wonderful selection of restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

The main shopping street in Santa Barbara is State Street, running all the way to Stearns Wharf. It has a mediterranean feel, with Spanish Colonial buildings with red tiled roofs, white stucco walls, enchanting courtyards and lush landscaping.

Downtown Santa Barbara was completely rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake with a strict building code that enforced a unifying hispanic style. There's a fabulous exhibition on this earthquake at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

The palm lined State Street has a wonderful selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and wine tasting rooms. One of the most prominent hotels is the gorgeous Hotel Californian, with a rooftop pool. It's also a short distance from major attractions like the Santa Barbara Courthouse with incredible views from its observation tower, and the excellent Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

It's also recommended you follow Yanonali Street to the Funk Zone district. This former industrial district is now full of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, boutiques and art galleries, housed in rustic, old, warehouses.

If you're interested in the early history of Santa Barbara, you can also tour a family home at Casa de la Guerra (1828), and explore a fascinating Spanish military outpost at the El Presidio Santa Barbara State Historic Park (1788). Both these attractions are walkable from State Street.

10 BEST things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

1. Eat and shop along beautiful State Street.

State Street runs all the way out to Stearns Wharf, and is the commercial heart of Santa Barbara. Explore a bustling street full of shops and restaurants. Some of my top restaurant picks are Loquita (Spanish), Jane (American), and The Cruisery (craft cocktails and healthy dishes) .

State Street has secluded courtyards running off it’s bustling main street. One of the most beautiful is La Arcada Courtyard (see below). The courtyard has a well curated set of shops along a lane-way with bright flower pots, ivy strewn walls and red awnings. The overhead flags add to the colorful display. Enjoy a meal at State & Fig while overlooking the turtle fountain. Afterwards, take a fun photo beside the bronze art statues.

2. Shop at Paseo Nuevo open air mall.

If you need some retail therapy, then head to the open air mall Paseo Nuevo (651 Paseo Nuevo), just off State Street. It has over 50 shops, including Aveda, Gap and Sephora, a movie theater and restaurants. Explore the lovely paseo areas, terraces and courtyards. Climb the Spanish Stairs, then dine alfresco.

3. Visit Funk Zone Santa Barbara.

The former industrial district at the Funk Zone, is walkable from State Street along Yanonali Street. Explore an eclectic mix of wine tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries in old warehouses. Don't miss the cool interior of Santa Barbara Wine Collective, or the gorgeous garden across the road from Dart Coffee Company. Enjoy the festive vibe at Validation Ale or Lucky Penny Pizza. You will also find quirky shops and galleries like Rodeo Gallery and Dylan Star Boutique.

4. Climb the tower at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Just one block from State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara, visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse (1100 Anacapa Street) often recognized as the loveliest government building in America. The ornate, Spanish interior is stunning. You can also climb to the top of the Observation Tower for panoramic views over Santa Barbara. Best of all it’s free!

5. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State Street) is also on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s housed in an elegant building that used to be the post office. It has a great selection of 19th and 20th Century European Art, with notable artists like Renoir, Monet and Dali.

6. Take kids to Moxi (Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation).

Another great museum in downtown Santa Barbara is MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation (125 State Street). It’s geared towards kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to wander along the spectacular glass rooftop deck.

7. See an underground salt cave at Salt Cave Santa Barbara.

For a completely different experience, stop by the Salt Cave Santa Barbara (740 State Street). Prepare to be wowed by the largest underground crystal salt cave in America. Spa services are available.

8. Tour an 1788 military compound at El Presidio Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

This five and a half acre fortress is walkable from downtown Santa Barbara, and is the last Spanish presidio (fortress) built during Spain's occupation of Alta California.

See the original family soldier residences at El Cuartel (1788), the oldest building in Santa Barbara. The Canedo Adobe (1788) is also open to the public, and functioned as an officers' quarters. The other buildings have been reconstructed, and include the Padre's Quarters, Comandante's Quarters, chapel, bell tower and cocina.

9. Visit a family home at Casa de la Guerra (1828).

Visitors can tour an original family home from 1828 at Casa de la Guerra in downtown Santa Barbara. This adobe residence was built around a central courtyard, and was home for prominent trader De La Guerra, his wife and 13 children. He is considered Santa Barbara's first citizen, and is interred beneath the altar at the Santa Barbara Mission.

10. Learn about the 1925 earthquake at Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

The impressive Santa Barbara Historical Museum in downtown, is a must-see. The highlight is the impactful audio-visual presentation on the 1925 earthquake in Santa Barbara. There's also a gallery with rotating art exhibitions, and permanent exhibits on the Story of Santa Barbara.

You can then cross the street to visit Casa Covvarubias (1817), built by a commander of the Santa Barbara presidio.